UNICEF celebrates Children’s Day, urges protection of child rights

UNICEF Nigeria office has joined to commemorate the Children’s Day celebration, saying that it comes at a challenging moment for child rights in the country and the world, with the COVID-19 pandemic threatening gains made for children’s development.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Director, Peter Hawkins, issued a statement that “It has been a challenging year for us all with the COVID-19 pandemic – not least of all, Nigerian children – and I want to commend efforts at all levels of the government and society to protect education, health, and protection services in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children.”

Peter Hawkins added that “As we rightfully celebrate children today, let us also remember that the COVID-19 crisis has been a child rights crisis – in Nigeria and around the world.”

He observed that; “Poverty is rising, inequality is growing, and the pandemic has often disrupted the essential services that secure the health, education and protection of children and young people.”

According to him, “The longer the pandemic goes on, the more intense the impact on women and children. On this Nigerian Children’s Day, let us all agree that we cannot let one crisis compound another. The pandemic is threatening decades of progress we have made for children.”

UNICEF lamented that violence is perpetrated against one in four Nigerian children – and one in three Nigerian girls are sexually abused. This has only increased during the pandemic saying, “Today of all days, we must commit to reinforce the protection mechanisms for all children.

“But we have learned from this pandemic too. One thing we have learnt is that education takes place not only in schools – children can and should learn both in and out of school. A learning continuum is critical so that all children continue to get an education irrespective of their situation, location, or the pandemic,” the Country Director added.

He praised the children saying, “Nigerian children are resilient, talented and aspire to do great things. And it is our responsibility to give them the platform and encouragement to do just that.”

According to Peter Hawkins, “We know that protecting children and investing in women and families is not only the right thing to do – it has proven to be a sound economic choice and a cost-effective tool for national development.”

Peter Hawkins concluded that “As we celebrate our children today, we must act in their best interests and deploy innovative solutions to fast-track learning and health services to build back better, for every Nigerian child,” as contained in a statement by Folashade G. Adebayo, Communication Officer United Nations Children’s Fund.